From Manuscript to Bookshelf: A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing Your Novel

As an aspiring author, you might have spent countless hours pouring your heart and soul into creating a manuscript that you're proud of. But once you've completed your manuscript, the next step is publishing it. While traditional publishing might seem like the ideal route to take, self-publishing has become a popular alternative that allows authors to maintain creative control and earn a higher percentage of the royalties. If you're considering self-publishing your novel, follow this step-by-step guide to turn your manuscript into a book on your shelves.

I have created a brand new Self Publishing Checklist just for you! Get it here.

Step 1: Edit and Revise

Before you start thinking about publishing, you need to make sure your manuscript is polished. Hire a professional editor or beta readers to give you honest feedback on your manuscript and make sure that it is error-free. Revise it until you're confident that it reads well and captures your readers' attention.

Step 2: Design a Cover

The cover of your novel is the first impression readers have of your book, so it's important to get it right. A well-designed cover will grab the reader's attention and make them want to discover more about your book. If you're not gifted with graphic design skills, consider hiring a cover designer or using online tools that offer various templates.

Step 3: Format Your Book

Formatting your book correctly is an important step to ensure that your readers can enjoy it on all devices and platforms. If you're tech-savvy, you can format your eBook yourself using various software, such as Adobe InDesign. However, if you're not confident with technology, don't hesitate to hire a professional to format your book for you.

Step 4: Choose a Publishing Platform

There are many publishing platforms to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget. Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Smashwords, and IngramSpark are some of the popular self-publishing platforms. Each of these platforms offers different distribution channels, pricing options and royalties. Research each one carefully and choose the platform that matches your goals.

Step 5: Publish Your Book

Once you've followed the first four steps, you're now ready to publish your book. Take the time to fill in all the required details on your chosen publication platform, including the book title, synopsis, keywords, and pricing. Upload your cover art, formatted manuscript, and any other related files. Once you've published your novel, it will then be available for purchase.

Self-publishing a book can be a daunting process, but it doesn't have to be. By following the step-by-step guide, you'll have a better understanding of what's required to turn your manuscript into a published book. Remember that self-publishing is not a quick path to success, and you'll have to be patient and persistent in marketing your book. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed, and always aim for excellence in the quality of your book. Self-publishing has empowered countless authors to bring their stories to the world, and you could be next.

Download the Self Publishing Checklist

Want to self publish but dont have the time/technical knowledge or simply want to outsource it to a professional? I have a range of packages to suit even the smallest budget. Email me [email protected] to learn more.